Dion George axed. Photo b: Wikipedia
Ramaphosa declared on Wednesday, 12th November 2025: “According to section 91(3)(b) of the South African Constitution, I have appointed Mr Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.”
“In consequence, I have removed Dr Dion George from the portfolio, in accordance to section 91(2) of the Constitution.”
Ramaphosa announced the appointment of DA Member of Parliament (MP), Alexandra Lillian Amelia Abraham as Deputy Minister of Trade. The appointment is in accordance to section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution.
Reasons Behind “the Big Chop”
Abrahams comes in replacement of DA’s Andrew Whitfield who was shown the door in June 2025, for disobeying cabinet rules. Whitfield traveled abroad without the President’s permission.
George refused the Deputy Trade offer presented to him by John Steenhuisen. George allegedly deemed this offer a downgrade to him.
In a statement posed by Steenhuisen, who requested the axe of George in favour of Aucamp, gave speculations pertaining George’s departure:
“My wish is to set the record straight in this regard. Not least given the reportage that seeks to paint his departures being a result of external pressures and interests. The truth is that it is not.”
Steenhuisen mentioned that the DA entered into Government of National Unity (GNU) in June 2024 with a clear mission. “To confront South Africa’s most urgent challenges and deliver tangible improvement to its citizens’ livelihoods.”
He further added: “Central to this commitment to placing people at the center of our concerns is an ongoing fight. An ongoing fight for implementation of bold economic reforms that will drive growth, attract investment and job creation.”
The DA hold 12 positions in the national executive. Steenhuisen emphasized the importance of those roles being occupied by capable candidates of the party.
People who bring integrity, energy and excellence to the Government.
“Collegiality is of high importance. Our progress requires steadfast teamwork withing and outside government as we strive to deliver better governance and improvement.
“In this mission, it is also importance for each and every public official to work towards and agreed agenda.”
Steenhuisen confirmed to have made a formal request to Cyril Ramaphosa for the implementation of changes to the DA’s representatives.
With the purpose to enhance the DA’s role to play a stronger part in the GNU’s efforts to deliver urgent reforms the country and its people need.
Steenhuisen is looking forward to working alongside George in other important roles. He did not give specifications of any roles in particular.
Dion George’s Impact on the DFFE
Dion George was the appointed Minister for the DFFE in the GNU following the 2024 national elections.
George was the first DFFE Minister to take a stand against South Africa’s captive lion industry and affiliated bone trade.
He was a dominant defender of South Africa’s National Elephant Heritage Strategy (NEHS) as gazetted earlier this year.
Dion George stated that he respects the decision that was taken and will remain focused in serving South Africa.
The Role of the DA in the GNU
President Cyril Ramaphosa is in preference of DA as partner in ensuring a stable coalition. The DA holds a certain level of leverage through ministerial positions.
The GNU is considered a stable arrangement but one in which the DA will not exit, as it can result in inclusion of comrade parties, in turn giving ANC a majority.
DA’s direct leverage in the government is limited to ministerial portfolios given to it. They are in charge of Agriculture, Home Affairs, Public Works and Environment.
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